Double window construction



April 1, 1941. EDWARDS ETAL 2,236,812

DOUBLE wnmow couswnucnon Filed Jan. 31, 19:59 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATT YS.

April 1, 1941.

H. EDWARDS ETI'AL DOUBLE WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 31, 1939 2Sheets-Sheet 2 slsisja] llllll/A M gg Patented Apr. 1, 1941 DOUBLEWINDOW CONSTRUCTION Harold Edwards and Roy T. Axe, Syracuse, N. Y.,assignors to The 0. M. Edwards Company, Inc., Syracuse, N. Y., acorporation of New York Application January 31, 1939, Serial No. 253,832

9 Claims.

This invention relates to double window constructions for use inair-conditioned enclosures, where it is necessary to keep the moisturein the space between the glass panels free of moisture or constant as tomoisture content, or to prevent interchange of air between this spaceand the outside air, and particularly interchange of air between saidspace and the inside of an enclosure, as the inside of a railway car orbus, because usually the air inside of the car or bus is warmer, andhence contains a greater moisture content than the outside atmosphere.The maintaining of the air in its original condition, as to moisturecontent, in the space between the glass panels avoids clouding of theglass panels and keeps the inner surfaces of the glass clean over a longindefinite period.

The invention has for its object a window structure consisting or twoindependent sash opposed to each other and a compressible resilientspacer between the margins of the glass panels, which spacer is carriedby and is self-contained with one of the sash, in contradistinction tobeing divided or to portions thereof being carried by both sash, withmeans for clamping the sash together to compress the spacer.

It further has for its object a resilient followup mechanism acting topress one sash toward the other, in addition to the clamping meansemployed to clamp the sash toward each other, in order to automaticallytake up and tighten the spacer, if it develops a permanent set in acompressed condition, and hence to maintain the seal between the glasspanels against interchange of air between said space and the surroundingatmosphere.

It also has for its object a resilient compressible mounting, includingspacing means for the glass panels, which, when the sash are clamped onetoward the other, compensates for variations in glass panels, asvariations in thickness of the glass panels and other irregularities,

and also for irregularities in the mounting means or spacers themselves,so that under the influence of the follow-up mechanism, tight seals aremaintained between the glass panels and their compressible resilientmountings.

It further has for its object a window construction for compensating formisalinements and variations and irregularities in the window openingand relieving the sash of strain of the fastening members or screwstending to distort the sash, if unduly tight, where the fastening members extend in a direction edgewise of the sash and thread into or clampinto the window frame.

Other objects appear throughout the specification.

The invention consists in the novel features and in the combinations andconstructions hereinafter set forth and claimed.

In describing this. invention, reference is had to the accompanyingdrawings in which like characters designate corresponding parts in allthe views.

Figure 1 is a fragmentary elevation, partly in section, of a windowstructure embodying this invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view on line 22, Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary edge view of the sash illustrating thefollow-up spring means shown in Figures 1 and '2.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary isometric view of the compressible resilientspacer between the glass panels in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2 with slightly modified form ofthe window construction with respect to the spacing means.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Figure 5illustrating the action of the spacers in compensating forirregularities in the glass panels and in the spacers, the sash beingshown in their position preliminary to being clamped together.

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a modified form of the meansfor clamping the sash toward each other. I

Figures 7 and 8 are detail views of the clamping means shown in Figure6. I

Figure 9 is a 'view similar to Figure 2 illustrating a slightly modifiedform ofthe clamping means from that shown in Figure 6.

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 1 illustrating a different form ofspacing means.

Figure 11 is an isometric detail View of the spacer shown in Figure 10,

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 6 of a different form of spacermeans from that shown in Figure 6.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating anothermodification of the means for compressing the sash toward each other.

I and 2 designate, respectively, opposing sash, each of which is formedwith an inwardly facing channel, as 3, 4, into which extends the marginsof glass panels 5, 6. i

l and 8 designate cushioning and sealing means in each of the channelsin which the margins of the glass panels are seated. The cushioningmeans, shown in Figure 2, are U- shaped in ing buttons or cams 2|general form in cross-section with the outer flanges of the U formationlapping the outer portions of the glass panels 5, 6 outside of thechannel. Also, the outer side flanges of the channels 3, 4 are widerthan the inner flanges. The sash I on the outer side of the car body orother enclosure is formed with a circumferential flange 9 which lapsthemargin of the car body or the outer side of the window frame, as atIII.

I I designates the frame of the car body deflning the window opening. I2designates the spacer between the margins of the glass panels, thisspacer being of compressible resilient material, as rubber. It iscarried by one of the sash as a unit therewith. The spacer is here shownas carried by the inner sash 2 and as formed with a flange I3 whichinterlocks with one of the sash, as the sash 2. The sash 2 is formedwith a groove in which the flange I3 interlocks. Substantially the samespacer is shown in Figures 6 and 9.

In Figure 10, the spacer I2 is formed with a flange I4 which extendsbetween the sash I, 2 and interlocks at I5 in a groove in the side ofthe sash 2 opposed to the sash I.

In Figure 1, the flange I3 of the spacer fits into a groove I6 openingthrough the sash 2 and parallel to the glass receiving channel 2.

In Figure 10, the flange I3 extends between the sash I, 2 and is securedto the sash 2, so that the spacer is carried by the sash 2. The spacerI2 engages at its side edges directly with the margins of the glasspanels 5, 6 in transverse alinement with the outer edge portions of thewider flanges of the cushioning and sealing means I and 8. Hence, whenthe sash I, 2 are clamped together, a tight seal is formed at A, 'B, Cand D, and the thrust of the spacer on the glass panels is against thewider flanges of the channels 3, 4. Thus, shearing action on the glasspanels 5, 6 is avoided.

The means for clamping the sash I, 2 toward each other comprises cammeans having a resilient follow-up movement which automatically pressesthe sash I, 2 toward each other, or the sash 2 toward the sash I tomaintain pressure between the spacer I2 and the margins of the glasspanels, if the spacer loses its compression initially brought about bythe clamping means.

In Figure 1, the clamping means comprises rocking members or shafts 20extending transversely at intervals through the sash 2 and havextendingedgewise through a slot in the sash 2 and movable into slots 22 in aflange 23 provided on the sash I. The flange 23 extends crosswise of theedge of the sash 2 and the slots 22 extend in a direction lengthwise ofthe flange 23. When the sash 2 is placed in juxtaposition to the sash I,and the members 20 given a one-quarter turn, the cams 2I interlock withthe slots 22 of the flange 23. In order to provide a follow-up movement,when the spacer I2 becomes permanently compressed, spring means isprovided acting in opposite directions on the sash I, 2 and coactingwith the cam parts. As seen in Figures 1, 2 and 3, this spring meansconsists of a bow spring 24 anchored at its ends at 25 to the flange 23on the outer side thereof and extending into the same along one'side ofthe slot 22, so that when the cam 2| is turned into the slot 22, itengages and compresses the intermediate part of the bow spring 24, andhence the bow spring exerts a continuous pressure on the cam 2I tendingto press the sash 2 toward the sash I and take up any looseness that maydevelop by reason of the permanent compression or set of the spacer I2.The spring 24 is located in vend wall 22* of the slot (Figure 3).

a suitable casing 25 secured on the outer face of the flange 23, itbeing secured thereto by the screws 25 to which the bow spring isanchored. The bow spring 24 is formed with an intermediate deflectedportion 24 forming a seat for the cam 2| when the cam is in its fullyoperated position. The snappin of the cam into this depression notifiesthe operator when the cam has been turned to its operative position. Theoverturning or overrunning of the cam beyond its operative position outof the depression is limited by the The slots 22 and springs 24 arespaced at suitable intervals around the sash I or the flange 23 thereof.

The sash I is secured in the window opening, as by screws 21 extendingthrough the flange 23 in a direction edgewise of the sash and threadinginto the window frame I I. The window openings or window frames I I arenot uniform, but are subject to variations and misalinements, and inorder to avoid warping of the flange 23, adjustable spacing meansis'provided for relieving these flanges of clamping strain of the screws21. The spacin means is adjustable to conform to the misalinements andthe irregularities in the window opening or frame II.

This adjustable spacing means, as here shown, consists of hollowthreaded members or studs 23 seated in the holes in the flange 23 forthe screws 21, and a hollow nut or sleeve 29 threading on the hollowstem or member 28. The screw 21 extends through the hollow member andthe nut 29 and threads into the window frame II. The screw is of suchnature as to bore and tap the hole, .as the screw is being driven.Obviously, the sleeve or nut 21 may be adjusted relatively to the hollowmembers or studs 28 and the flange, so as to conform to irregularitiesin the window openings, so that the screw 21 may be tightened withoutstraining the flange 23.

In Figure 5, the sash is shown as formed with a different form ofspacer. In Figure 5, the spacer includes two glazing strip portions 3|and 32 carried by the sash I, 2 and abutting against each other at 33when the sash are compressed toward each other. This constructionpermits the glass panels to be removed from each sash without taking thesash apart, that is, without re moving one of the sash members, as thetop rail.

The means for mounting the sash and clamping the sash toward each otherin the construction shown in Figure 5 is substantially the same as thatshown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

The rubber mountings for the glass panels are liable to vary slightly inthickness throughout their length, so that their side surfaces aresomewhat irregular, as they are usually formed of extruded rubber. Also,the glass panels vary in thickness, although all are supposed to be thesame thickness, and also there are surface irregularities in the glasspanels. In order to keep the space between the glass panels tight underthese conditions and maintain the tightness under all conditions, theglazing strip portions 3i and 32 are formed to compensate for thevariations so that they compress tightly against the glass panels andagainst each other under the influence of the means for clamping thesash toward each other and the follow-up means, that is, under theinfluence of the cams, as 2I, and springs, as 24. In Figures 5 and 5',each of the glazing strip portions 3| and 32 is formed with a curvedhead portion 3| for pressing against the adjacent glass panel and underthe clamping action flattening against the margin 2,2ao,s12 3 of theglass panel, so as to make a broad suriace contact with the glass panel,when the sash are clamped toward each other, and each glazing stripportion 3| and 32 is also formed with a head portion 32 joined to thehead 3 l by a neck li so that the head 32 has a sort of rockingcompensating action, when the sash are clamped toward each other, andthe heads 32 compress against each other, so as to get and maintain abroad surface contact between the abutting surfaces of the heads 32, asseen in Figure 5. During the clamping action of the sash together bymeans of cams 2|, these glazing strip portions 3|, 32 compress from theposition shown in Figure 5 to that shown in Figure 5, getting a broadsurface contact with each other at the abutting faces of the heads 32*-and a broad surface contact between the heads (ll and the glass panels,all as seen in Figure 5. The glazing strip portions thus have acompensating action for compensating for variations and irregularitiesin the glass panels and in themselves, under the influence of theclamping means, as the cams 2i and the follow-up means, as the springs24, so that the space between the glass panels is tightly sealed bothwhen upon initial installation and.

upon subsequent removal and replacement of one sash for any purpose.Sometimes a, sash is removed for washing the windows or for any otherpurpose, and sometimes the movable sash is hinged with an elongatedhinge-slot, as shown in application of Edward F. Chafiee and Roy T. Axe,Serial No. 239,102, filed November 5, 1938. oftentimes, when open, it isdesirable to place in the space between the glass panels a dehydratingmaterial, as activated alumina, for taking out any moisture that may bein the air that enters between the glass panels, while the sash is beingreplaced.

In the construction shown in Figure 6, the spacing means issubstantially the same as that shown in Figure 2, but the means forclamping the sash toward each other is a slightly difierent form of cammeans from that shown in Figure 2. The clamping means shown in Figure 6comprises rocking. members 34 extending transversely through the sash 2and having cross arms, buttons or cams 35 at their inner ends and keeperplates 36 supported by the sash l and extending between the sash l, 2and having slots 31 therein through which the cams 35 may be pushed whenalined therewith and with which the cams interlock when given a partialturn out of alinement with the slot 31. the members 34 and thrust attheir opposite ends against the sash 2 and the head 39 of the operatingmembers 34. The springs are located in suitable recesses in the sash 2.The keeper plates 36 are here shown as provided with angularly extendingbase flanges 40 seated on the flange 23 of the sash I. The keeper platesare secured to the flange 23, as by screws 4|.

In Figure 9, the clamping means are shown as screws 44 located intransverse recesses in the sash 2 and threading into the sash I, eachscrew having an enlargement adjacent its head 45, which enlargementprovides a shoulder at 45 for thrusting against the bottom of the recessthrough which the screw extends and a spring 41 corresponding to thespring '24, or the spring 38 (Figure 6) thrusting against the bottom ofthe recess and the head of the screws. This arrangement causes thespring 41 to be tensioned a predetermined amount when the screw 45 isthreading into .the sash and prevents over-com- Compression springs 38encircle pression of the spring 41 by reason of the shoulder 46 engagingthe bottom of the recess in which the screw is located. Thus, if thespacer l2 should become set in compressed condition, the spring 41automatically takes up any looseness that would otherwise developbetween the spacer l2 and the margins of the glass panels 5, 6.

In Figure 12, a spacer of somewhat similar nature to that shown inFigure 5, is provided with a clamping means similar to that shown inFigure 6. In Figure 12, the spacer consists of a removable glazing stripportion 48 suitably interlocking in the groove 49 in the sash I and alaterally extending flange or lip 50 on the channel-shaped cushioningmeans or sheet 5| in which the glass panel 6 of the sash 2 is seated. Inthis form of the invention, the spacer sections 48 and 50 are compressedby the clamping means which clamp the sash toward each other and thecompression automatically taken up by the spring of the clamping means.

In the window construction shown in Figures 6 and 9, the sash I issecured to the car body by screws, as 53, extending transversely throughthe flange 9 and into the car body.

In the forms shown in Figures 10 and 12, the sash is secured to thewindow frame in the same manner as shown in Figures 2 and 5.

In the window construction shown in Figure 13, the sash l and 2 areclamped directly together by a fastening means substantially like thatshown in Figures 6, '7 and 8 with the exception that one of the sash, asthe sash I, is formed with a recess having a slotted entrance forreceiving the cam of the clamping means. 'As he're shown, the sash l isformed with cylindrical bores or recesses as 55 (Figure 13) openingthrough the side of the sash toward the sash 2 and the recesses arecovered by a plate 56 set into a counterbore in the sash l, 2 as to lieflush with the face of the sash l, the plate being secured in position,as by screws 51. This plate is formed with a slot 58 similar to the slot3'! (Figure 7) for receiving a cam or button 59 similar to the cam 35(Figures 6 and 8) and mounted on rocking members 60, corresponding tothe rocking members 34- (Figure 6). These rocking members and the camsare pressed axially by springs 5|, corresponding to the springs 38(Figure 6) in one direction to provide the followup action of thespacers.

By this arrangement, the sash l and 2 are clamped directly together, sothat the space between the glass panels may be comparatively narrow.This is a desideratum, one of the reasons being that the air within thesmall space maintains its original condition longer than the air in alarger space.

In any form of the invention, a tight seal is maintained between thespacer and the margins of the glass panels, by reason of the fact thatthe sash 2 is clamped toward the sash I and the follow-up spring servesto maintain the tight engagement of the spacer and the margins 'of theglass panels, if and when the spacer develops a permanent set, afterbeing compressed, and also during variations in outside atmosphericpressure and the air in the space between the glass panels.

What we claim is:

1. In a double window construction including parallel, spaced, glazedsash sections, compressible resilient sealing means within the spacebetween the panes of glass adjacent the interior margins thereof to sealthe panes of glass thereat, means including a plurality of spacedclamping elements fixedly attached to one of the sash sections andconnecting with the other sash section to effect uniform clampingtogether of the sash sections and spring means carried by one of saidsections and coacting with said clamping elements to thereby uniformlycompress and effect sealing of the said sealing means and to constantlyautomatically thereafter maintain such uniform sealed relationship.

2. In a double window construction including parallel, spaced, glazedsash sections, each having means for resiliently receiving the marginsof a glass panel, compressible resilient sealing means within the spacebetween the panes of glass adjacent the interior margins thereof to sealthe panes of glass thereat, means including a plurality of spacedclamping elements fixedly attached to one of said sash sections andconnecting with the other sash section to effect uniform clampingtogether of the sash sections, said clamping means including springmeans to uniformly compress and effect sealing of said sealing means andto constantly automatically thereafter maintain such sealedrelationship.

3. In a double window construction including parallel, spaced, glazedsash sections each having means for resiliently receiving the margins ofa glass panel, compressible, resilient sealing means within the spacebetween the panes of glass adjacent the interior margins thereof to sealthe panes of glass thereat, means including a plurality of spacedclamping elements fixedly attached to one of said sash sections andconnecting with the other sash section to effect uniform clampingtogether of the sash sections, said clamping means including follow-upmechanism which includes spring means to uniformly compress and effectsealing of said sealing means and to constantly thereafter maintain suchsealed relationship.

4. In a double window construction including parallel, spaced, glazedsash sections, compressible resilient sealing means within the spacebetween the panes of glass adjacent the interior margins thereof to sealthe panes of glass thereat, means including a plurality of spacedclampin elements fixedly attached to one of the sash sections andconnecting with the other sash section to effect uniform clampingtogether of the sash sections,

a flange on one of the sash sections provided with a plurality of spacedslots and a spring along one side of each of the said slots constitutingone part of said clamping means, a plurality of spaced movable cammembers carried by the other of said sections and in alignment with saidslots and constituting the other part of said clamping means so thatwhen the cam members are moved into said slots and contact the saidsprings the sealing means is uniformly com pressed thereby effectingsealing of said sealing means and constantly automatically, thereaftermaintaining such sealed relationship.

5. In a double window construction including opposed, parallel, spacedapart sash sections, each having means for receiving the margins of aglass panel, a compressible resilient sealing means arranged adjacentthe interior margins of each of the said panels to seal the said panelsthereat and to hold the sash apart, one of the said sash sections beingformed with a flange which extends across the edge of the other sash,said flange being formed with a plurality of lengthwise spaced slotstherein, a plurality of spaced clamping means fixedly attached to theother sash and in alignment with said slots, each clamping meansincluding a cam which is movable into and out of said slots to effectuniform clamping together of the two sash sections, and a plurality ofbowed springs carried by the said flange and extending into andlengthwise of one side of each of said slots to coact with the camsmoved into the said slots to thereby uniformly compress and effectsealing of the said sealing means and to constantly automaticallythereafter maintain such uniform sealed relationship.

6. A double window construction including op posed, parallel, spacedapart sash sections, each having means for receiving the margins of aglass panel, a compressible resilient sealing and spacing meanspositioned and held between the sash adjacent the margins of each panelto seal the said panel margins thereat, one of the sash sections havinga part opposed to the other sash and formed with a plurality of spacedslots, a plurality of spaced clamping means, one for each slot,including rocking cams on the latter sash movable into the slots, andresilient parts carried by the former sash, each extending into andlengthwise of one side of one of the slots in position to coact with thecam, said resilient parts constituting follow-up means to automaticallyand uniformly urge the sash toward each other, and thereby uniformlycompress and effect sealing of the said sealing means and to constantlyautomatically thereafter maintain such uniform sealed relationship,

7. A double window construction including opposed parallel spaced apartsash sections, each having means for receiving the margins of a glasspanel, a compressible resilient sealing means positioned within thespace between and adjacent the interior margins of each of said panelsto seal and hold the sash spaced apart, one of the sash sections beingprovided with a plurality of spaced apart members each of which membersis provided with a slot therein and the other sash being formed with aplurality of axially movable clamping members extending transverselytherethrough and fixedly associated therewith and being also movableabout an axis and each having a cam in alignment with and for passingthrough the said slots upon the said axial movement and for interlockingwith the walls of the slot upon a partial rotary movement, and springmeans concentric with each of said clamping members to thereby uniformlycompress and effect sealing of the said sealing means and to constantlyautomatically thereafter maintain such sealed relationship.

8. A double window construction including 0pposed parallel spaced apartsash sections, each having means for receiving the margins of a glasspanel, a compressible resilient sealing means positioned within thespace between and adjacent the interior margins of each of said panelsto seal and hold the sash spaced apart, one of the sash sections beingprovided with a plurality of spaced right angular keeper plates each ofwhich has a slot in one angular portion thereof and the other angularportion being attached to said sash section and the other sash beingformed with a plurality of axially movable clamping members each ofwhich members has a spring concentrically associated therewith and whichclamping members extend transversely therethrough and are fixedlyassociated therewith and being also movable about an axis and eachhaving a cam in alignment with and for passing through the said slotsupon the axial movement and for interlocking with the walls of the slotupon a partial rotary movement, to thereby uniformly compress and efiectsealing of the said sealing means and to constantly automaticallythereafter maintain such sealed relationship.

9. A double window construction including 0pposed parallel spaced apartsash sections, each having means for receiving the margins of a glasspanel, a compressible resilient sealing means positioned within thespace-between and adjacent the interior margins of each of said panelsto seal and hold the sash spaced apart, one of the sash sections beingprovided with a plurality of spaced apart right angularly shaped keeperplates, each having one angle portion thereof attached toone sashsection and provided with a slot in its unattached portion, and theother sash being provided with a plurality of axially movablespring-pressed clamping members ex-

